4 Paws For Ability - Autism Assistance Dogs w/Tethering

[flj7]

Yes, it is possible for a service dog to break training. However, if an autistic child runs off, someone is going to know something is up if there's a dog attached to him. Also, while he can be defined as emotional support, he is not a "glorified babysitter". These dogs make life a lot easier for people with autism, and do things that a human care giver can't provide.

[DeaneRenata]

Hi. I have some mental issues (anything that is not a normal working brain is a mental disability right?) - and I was wanting to know how you got your dog.

[sc00b3rt]

An autism service dog is a service dog trained to assist a person with autism, to help them gain independence, confidence, and the ability to perform activities of daily living similar to anyone else. For the most part, these dogs are trained to perform tasks similar to those of service dogs for other sensory processing disabilities

[sc00b3rt]

Codes of Federal Regulation for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 define a service animal as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair [sic], or fetching dropped items." [1]

[babymama1970]

I think it definitely is a good idea although should be limited for the most severe cases as to prevent eloping, prevent violent outbursts, self injurious behavior, promote / encourage speech and social development. My daughter is a flight risk and one of my fears is her wondering of and getting lost and her not being able to communicate who she is or running into the street etc....

[marzena86]

Guide dogs are not tethered to their owners. There is a difference between being tethered and being in control of the dog, and being tethered so that the dog can control you. No child is capable of controlling a service dog independently, which leaves the dog in control of the child.

It doesn't matter HOW well trained the dog is, all service dogs can and will break training at one point or another.

[nonpareilpearl]

Unfortunately, I never said that autism was an emotional disorder. Please read the comment again.

What I *did* say is that the DOJ has separated emotional support animals, or ESAs, from service animals. An ESA is an animal whose *sole purpose* is to provide emotional support.

There are certainly a large number of legitimate tasks that a dog can do for a person with Autism, but if the dog *only* provides emotional support, then legally the dog is an ESA.

[nonpareilpearl]

@laynaa21

I am not sure what faithimtoby posted, but if all they said what "this isn't a service dog", then they would be correct.

The US Department of Justice states that a service animal must be task trained to mitigate the handler's disability. The DOJ specifically separates emotional support animals and service animals. Since a person/child can be tethered to any object it is not a trained task, and all the other tasks are emotional. This dog is legally an emotional support animal.

[mzsweeett]

nonpareilpearl, can you define autism? it is NOT an emotional disorder. these animals are a type of service dog. the tethering is there for the comfort of the person. seeing eye dogs are "tethered". are they "emotional support" or "service"? these animals are bred and trained for the specific purpose of assisting those who need it. do some research on autism. i hope you are enlightened and see where your comment is not only wrong but belittling to the foundation that helps so many.

[laynaa21]

The person that posted the rude comment about "this isn't a service dog", you haven't a clue what you're talking about. This dog is not a babysitter, it is a friend that helps stimulate the autistic mind, helps the child to be safe, and is repsonsible for the overall well being of a handicapped child. Do your research on autism before you attempt to speak about a topic you haven't a clue. Signed, A special education instructor AND the owner of a service dog.

[faithtimtoby]

This is not a service dog. This is a poor excuse for a babysitter. Tie children to dogs is an accident waiting to happen - even the best dogs can break training. This isn't even a real SD.

[rhondadbe]

Very nice to see how calmly your son and the dog walk around with you.

Thanks for sharing with us!